Global Skills Union Pathways Project (GSUPP)
The Global Skills Union Pathways Project (GSUPP) is a free 13-week program that prepares immigrant participants to apply for and succeed in the Shipyard’s paid apprenticeship program. GSUPP is a collaboration between The Welcoming Center, the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and the Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
The Shipyard’s apprenticeship program is three years long and trains you to be a welder, shipbuilder, or ship outfitter.
The GSUPP program also assists participants with applying to other apprenticeships and jobs in the skilled trades and manufacturing.
The GSUPP program aims to create a pipeline into high-demand union jobs in the skilled trades – where there can be a lack of applicants to fulfill open positions – and to generate long-term economic mobility for immigrant participants and their families.
The GSUPP Program
Program Information:
- 13 weeks
- Mondays and Wednesdays
- 10:00 am-1:00 pm
- In-person at the BOK Building in South Philadelphia (1901 S 9th Street)
You Will Learn:
- English language and English communication for the Shipyard
- Certifications in workplace safety and first aid (OSHA & CPR certification)
- Training in skills needed to succeed in the apprenticeship program and the Shipyard job environment
- Preparation to apply and interview for the Shipyard's apprenticeship program (including aptitude test preparation and interview practice)
- Assistance applying to other apprenticeships and jobs in the skilled trades
- One-on-one job coaching to help you find a career in the skilled trades
Program Requirements:
- Live in Philadelphia
- Have work authorization in the US
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speak intermediate level of English or above
In Order to Work at the Shipyard, You Must:
- Be able to do hands-on work outside in hot or cold weather. Apprentices work mostly outside, regardless of the weather
- Have reliable transportation to the Hanwha Philadelphia Shipyard (at 2100 Kitty Hawk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19112), and have reliable childcare
- Be able to arrive at work before 6 am (in many positions)
- Have flexibility for shift changes. Apprentices must be available to work all possible shifts, including first, second and third shifts
- Ability to be “clean-shaven” (very minimal facial hair) because you will need to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment
About Hanwha Philly Shipyard's Apprenticeship Program:
During the GSUPP program, you will learn how to apply for the Shipyard’s apprenticeship, a three-year program that trains you to be either a welder, shipbuilder or ship outfitter. The apprenticeship consists of both classroom and on-the-job training. You will need to complete 144 hours of college-level classes per year, which are paid for by the Shipyard.
In order to apply for the Shipyard’s apprenticeship, you must pass an aptitude test and participate in an interview.
As an apprentice, you are a full-time paid employee – starting salary is $23.80/hour and increases at regularly scheduled intervals to $33/hour by the end of the three years. You will also receive a variety of other benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 22 paid college credits, a retirement savings plan, and vacation and personal time.
To learn more about the Shipyard’s apprenticeship program, visit their website: Apprentice Program – Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
*The link above is to apply for The Welcoming Center’s 13-week GSUPP program and not the Shipyard’s apprenticeship program. The Shipyard’s apprenticeship program has a separate application process that the GSUPP program will assist you with.